A number of top companies have held tight to creating and disseminating gorgeous catalogs, especially as part of integrated digital and direct mail marketing campaigns.

In modern times, catalogs have adapted beautifully to the changing expectations of customers.

“These days, retailers are employing devices like adventure tales and photo spreads of wildlife to catch a shopper’s eye, hoping to secure purchases online or in a store,” says Rebecca Ruiz in the New York Times.

For many companies who send out catalogs, the focus is not on acquiring new customers, but in inspiring existing ones to make fresh purchases.

Indeed, catalogs had an impressive 3.9% rate of response according to the DMA report, placing them just behind postcards in response rate success.

Dimensional Mail

Another high-performing format of direct mail is dimensional mailers.

What is dimensional mail, you ask?

It’s defined by the Direct Marketing Association as any piece of mail that’s more than three-quarters of an inch thick.

It can take many forms, including boxes and cylinders, and it’s great for inspiring curiosity in your recipients.